Darin Rubell is known to some as proprietor of Boulton & Watt, Forrest Point and Ella: high-end, yet attainable places to relax at. However, few people have connected the dots to also realize that Darin is also behind the Films In Tompkins series, which is currently on its seventh summer.
Although the name Films In Tompkins may simply imply that movies are being screened in the East Village’s Tompkins Square Park, there is much more to the series than the name. For example, each of the films were selected by a celebrity (e.g. Matthew Broderick, Christie Brinkley, Billy Joel, James Franco). Yet prior to film showing, there is live music being performed (e.g. City Of The Sun on July 9th, Beetheband on July 16th, Hawthorne on July 23rd, Todd Gaynor on July 30th). In addition, attendees are encouraged bring blankets and have a picnic.
Darin took the time to answer some questions for Downtown about both his Thursday night series and what lies ahead for the establishments he owns. But if there is one major take-away from our exchange, it is his emphasis on the importance of enjoying your work.
Where did the idea for Films In Tompkins come from?
Darin Rubel: I was sitting in park with a few friends one night and thought how nice it would be if we could all be watching a movie. I knew if Bryant Park was able to accomplish it, there was no reason the East Village couldn’t have their own film series. I am now going on year seven.
What can an attendee of Films in Tompkins expect beyond the movie itself?
D: Live music, lots of great company and fantastic people watching…all while you hopefully enjoy a picnic!
Films for this season were picked by Matthew Broderick, Christie Brinkley, Billy Joel and James Franco. Were any of these film choices a surprise to you?
D: Due to rights sometimes being hard to get, I had each of them pick a few options. I was surprised that James Franco picked all Jack Nicholson films!
You have an impressive background as a business-owner, in owning Boulton & Watt, Forrest Point, Ella and Gallery Bar. How did you get started in the hospitality field?
D: The obvious reason is my love for food, drinks and culture, but that’s only part of it. I had a huge problem with the traditional nine-to-five job; I felt trapped and miserable and would have almost rather been homeless than continue that path. I was lucky enough to find what I am passionate about and figure out a way to wake up and do what I love on a daily basis.
Rumor is that your bar Ella was recently closed to make room for a new place. What can you tell our readers about that?
D: We are trying to build the perfect neighborhood bar where all the locals feel welcome and comfortable and get a quality product.
Beyond presenting Films in Tompkins and running your establishments in Manhattan and Brooklyn, is there something you’d like to do which you haven’t yet tried? Or another field of interest for you?
D: I have a strong interest in real estate and have been combing all my knowledge over the years to be both landlord and tenant.
Finally, Darin, any last words for the kids?
D: Always try having fun with what you do! If you’re not enjoying yourself, something must be wrong!
-by Darren Paltrowitz
